Botox® Cosmetic

Botox® Cosmetic Injections

Non-Surgical Wrinkle Treatment in the San Diego Area

Botox® Cosmetic Injections in the San Diego area, come to Art of Skin MD. Located in Solana Beach, CA just north of San Diego, Dr. Melanie Palm is a noted Botox® Cosmetic expert who frequently lectures on the use of Botox® and other injectables. She also has the distinction of being the only San Diego area cosmetic dermatologists to sit on the Allergan Emerging Leaders Advisory Board.

How do Botox® Cosmetic injections work?

Botox® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) causes relaxation of facial muscles. The product works by blocking the communication between nerve endings and their surrounding muscles. Botox is injected into specific regions to treat overactive muscles that cause wrinkles with facial animation. The effect of is temporary and repeat treatments are necessary periodically to maintain the softening of facial furrows and creases.

Where can Botox® Cosmetic be used?

Botox® Cosmetic is FDA-approved for moderate to severe wrinkles between the brows (angry 11’s) and for excessive underarm sweating called hyperhidrosis. Although it is commonly used for the treatment in the upper third of the face, there are many additional areas of the face and neck that may benefit from their use:

Forehead wrinkles

Small amounts are injected into the forehead muscle called the frontalis to soften horizontal forehead lines.

Crow’s feet

Wrinkles around the eyes that are accentuated by smiling and squinting can be improved.

Lateral eyebrows

Injection near the side of the eyebrows can keep eyebrows elevated and give a pleasing position to the eyebrow and a more “open” appearance to the upper eyelid.

Bunny lines

Wrinkles along the sides of the nose that appear when you crinkle your nose can be softened with treatment.

Gummy smile

A smile that is too “toothy” in which a person’s upper gum disappears and only the upper teeth show can be improved by injecting very small amounts.

Vertical lip lines

Small lines around the mouth caused by speaking or smoking can be softened with treatment.

Downturned mouth

Small amounts of either product can help to correct downturned corners of the mouth, creating a smile at rest rather than a scowl.

Pebbled chin

A wrinkly or pebbled chin with changes sometimes referred to as peau d’orange (orange skin) can be improved by injecting small amounts.

Neck wrinkles and undefined jawline

The muscle of the neck is called the platysma. With time this muscle separates causing vertical bands called “platysmal bands.” Botox® Cosmetic can be injected in a specific pattern along the neck and jawline to smooth the bands and help lift the jawline.

Jaw reduction

The masseter muscle along the side of the jawline can be large in some people, causing the jaw to look big and the face to look square. Small amounts of Botox® Cosmetic can be injected into the sides of the cheeks to soften the appearance of the jawline.

Bell’s Palsy

This condition is a facial paralysis resulting from a variety of causes. The non-affected side of the face can be treated with modest amounts of Botox® Cosmetic to create better facial symmetry.

Blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm

Uncontrolled contraction and twitching of the eyelids or face can be improved with treatment using Botox® Cosmetic.

Excessive sweating of the underarm, hands, & feet

Both products can reduce sweating in the armpit, or moistness of the hands or feet. Results typically last longer, sometimes as long as 6-12 months.

How Much Do Botox® Cosmetic Injections Cost in the San Diego Area?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of Botox® Cosmetic is $400. Dr. Palm charges by the unit, rather than the area treated. Therefore, a treated patient is only charged for the amount of Botox® Cosmetic used.

Botox® Cosmetic Aftercare Recommendations

Dr. Palm has several recommendations to ensure safe and long-lasting results. First, the patient is asked to move the muscle groups treated for approximately 60 minutes after treatment. Frowning, raising one’s eyebrows, squinting one’s eyes and smiling ensures muscle movement if the upper face is treated with Botox. The thought process behind this is that the action of muscles allows the protein to interact with the targeted muscle groups. This may allow the onset of Botox to occur more quickly and for the duration to last longer.

Other tips on optimal outcomes after your injections include the following: avoid excessively rubbing one’s brows or between the eyebrows. Additionally, it is recommended that one stay upright for the 4 hours following your injections.

Botox® Cosmetic Treatment FAQ

Will I look expressionless and how long does Botox® Cosmetic work?

The goal of treatment is to soften facial expression. Treated patients can still smile and frown and should not look “frozen.” The improvement of wrinkles usually occurs within 2-7 days following treatment. Botox® Cosmetic lasts 3-4 months.

Is Botox® Cosmetic safe?

Botox® Cosmetic was FDA-approved in 2002 and has been used in millions of U.S. patients. Botox® Cosmetic is a protein derived from a bacterial byproduct called Botulinum toxin type A. This process occurs under sterile conditions and is reconstituted from a freeze-dried powder prior to injection.

What are the side effects of Botox® Cosmetic?

Side effects are uncommon with correct placement by a well-trained, board-certified, core-specialty physician. The majority of side effects are temporary and injection-related. These include localized swelling, pain, or bruising at the site of injection. Uncommon but more serious side effects include headache, tiredness, double vision, blurred vision, or drooping eyelids. Complete safety information can be obtained by asking your doctor for the patient information pamphlet or package insert.

Is treatment with Botox® Cosmetic painful?

Treatment is virtually painless. Very small (insulin) needles are used to administer the products. Numbing cream and ice packs can be used during treatment if desired. Botox® Cosmetic is considered a “no downtime” procedure.

What is the difference between Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport®?

Botox® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) are both FDA-approved products indicated for the temporary treatment of glabellar rhytides, the wrinkles between the eyebrows sometimes referred to as “angry 11s.” Botox® Cosmetic has an additional FDA indication in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, or the treatment of excessive sweating of the underarm area. Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® are similar products, simply made by different manufacturers. Just like there are different brands of soda, there are now different brands of “Botox®.”

How long does BOTOX® COSMETIC last?

The duration of Botox is typically 3 months, although the effect may vary from one person to another. Botox Cosmetic used in highly active muscle groups such as crow’s feet around the eyes or for vertical lip lines around the mouth may wear away more quickly. Treatment of neck bands may yield pleasing results for up to 4-5 months or longer in some patients. Botox used for hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) of the underarm can last 6 months or longer.

If you are looking for a non-surgical alternative for getting rid of wrinkles and lines in the San Diego area, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.

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